The Lelo Ella is a double-ended, non-phallic dildo designed to stimulate the G-spot. True to Lelo's overall reputation, the Ella is high quality, stylish, durable, and fairly versatile. One side is disk-shaped to press on the G-spot while the other side is more traditional and smooth. Upon closer inspection, the traditional end is not circular in diameter; it has a raised edge that would look a bit like a pear in cross-section. This raised edge provides more pressure on the G-spot, even while the end is used for thrusting. Ella doesn't vibrate, although it is suggested that the toy be paired with a small hand-held vibrator for clitoral stimulation. Since there isn't vibration, there are no worries when taking this toy on a trip -- there will be no accidental vibrations in your luggage! It's designed for masturbation, although it may be used with a partner because this toy is discreet and is quite non-intimidating in either size or form. It's beautiful to look at and is made of velvety, matte silicone, so it is non-porous and may be boiled to sterilize. I consider the visual appeal of a toy to be important to play since I am visual, and just opening the box (which I continue to store my Ella in) is exciting. When in use, the length and shape of either end seems to rest right upon the G-spot, which makes finding this elusive area a breeze! I chose the Ella because I wanted more practice with G-spot orgasms, and this was the right toy to make it quick and easy! It works particularly well after you are already a bit aroused, as with any G-spot attention. There is minimal texture, aside from the slight drag of the silicone, and the smooth surface minimizes irritation and helps to prevent internal bumps and scrapes when thrusting. Ella is very easy to hold on to by using the non-inserted end as a handgrip (try a lever motion for different sensations). Even when lubed up, Ella is easy to hold and manipulate. A note of caution on the disk end: when removing from the vagina, it's helpful to maneuver the toy downward so that the edge does not hit against the pubic bone (this has happened to me upon pulling Ella out too quickly). I suppose Ella may be used anally with the traditional end, although this toy has a smaller girth (which may be a benefit to beginners). The disk end should prevent the toy from slipping internally. (However, I would like to add a disclaimer that I have not used Ella anally, and perhaps you may consider other massagers more specifically suited to the task.)

This was my first silicone toy, so I was excited to use it because of its many benefits. It's non-reactive with the body, so there's no fear for health safety. Ella is firm but flexible at the narrow neck between the two ends where it tapers down to perhaps 3/4" in diameter. This provides enough resistance to stimulate the G-spot while it will not hurt the vaginal wall. There are no bumps or rough edges, so irritation is minimized. It's matte, so it doesn't get fingerprints, and it has a soft, velvety texture that feels absolutely lovely. Since silicone is NOT silicone lube friendly, use a condom over Ella if you want to pair it with silicone lube. Without the use of a lubricant, there's a bit of friction that I find pleasing. Of course, how pleasing you may find it depends on how much natural lubrication you produce. In fact, this is the only toy I use without adding lube each time. The silicone is comfortable to use at room temperature, but it warms with use and responds slightly to temperature if it is submerged briefly in either very hot or ice water; however, I wouldn't recommend this toy if you are primarily seeking temperature play. There is no taste, but there is a gentle, almost-toasty scent that is only detectable if you hold Ella up to your nose. After using, the material doesn't retain any odors nor develop a chemical odor with time. It's completely non-sticky, although it will pick up lint if you dry it with a terry towel or leave it in a dusty environment.

I love the look and feel of this toy in my hand and in my vagina. It's on the small side, so it's perfect for beginners although I think that "veterans" will also enjoy Ella because of how specific it is to finding the G-spot. Lelo has clearly put a lot of effort into making this toy shape to locate the G-spot with ease, so you really don't have to know too much about it prior to exploring with this wonderful tool. It doesn't look like a typical sex toy, so it is pretty safe to leave around, and if you have children or nosy roommates or parents, Ella shouldn't raise an eyebrow unless they are familiar with sex toys, too! Ella is comfortable and easy to hold. The disk end is stimulating with just a little movement while the traditional end is easy to thrust and rotate when you hold onto the disk end. There is a center seam indented on my toy, which does not detract from the experience and isn't detectable when using.

As I mentioned above in the "Design" section, this toy is really comfortable to use and knows just where to go to hit the G-spot. Ella is intuitive and invites exploration. It is meant to be moved in any way that feels good to you, making this toy versatile so that it won't get boring. Ella seems to slip in just at the correct length to reach the G-spot, especially when you're a little aroused already. (I find that rubbing my clitoris with the tip of the traditional end works great.) The toy is easy to hold by a partner; however, it's too short to be used for insertion simultaneously by two partners. I use both ends about equally, depending on my whims. It's great for insertion, and it is gentle and non-intimidating, but it really packs a kick when you reach orgasm. This would make for a great gift to a single girlfriend or to an adventurous couple. No batteries are required since it doesn't vibrate, and it's completely water friendly and is great to bring into the shower or tub. As with most dildos, you can add on a vibrating ring to transform this toy further.

To clean, it is recommended that you boil Ella to sterilize it, particularly if you are sharing or may be ill. It may be washed in the dishwasher or in hot water with soap. There is an indented "LELO" on both sides of the traditional thrusting end, which tends to hold fluids, so care should be taken to thoroughly wash the letters out to prevent bacterial infection. I find that scraping gently with a fingernail is sufficient to loosen the fluid (without scratching the toy), and then running under very hot water is enough. I let my Ella air dry on the countertop. As I said before, wiping with a towel or napkin will leave lint behind, so Lelo guides you to dry with a lint-free cloth.

This toy simply has the most elegant packaging I have ever seen for a sex toy. A far cry from the many plastic bubble-packs with a porn star in the background in tacky bright colors, Ella arrives to you like a true present. There is a glossy black-and-white outer box with a picture of your toy in your choice of color, and you slip this outer box off the inner "storage" box. This box is made of thick, matte black cardboard with a barely defined stripe pattern that is ever so slightly raised above the surface and with LELO printed in shiny black in the center. Lift the lid and there you will find your Ella, suspended on a black matte, semi-translucent, thick plastic base. If you remove Ella, two holes in the base allow you to remove the base. There you will find a warranty card, a user guide, and a white polyester-satin storage pouch. I keep my Ella in the box because it adds a little something special every time I use Ella, and it feels brand-new all over again. The User Guide is written in several languages and suggests some tips and highlights and some sanitary care features, as well as offering other Lelo products. I keep a bullet, some condoms, and a little lube in the bottom of the box with my Ella so that I have all I need at hand. This box is reusable, recyclable, and definitely a keeper.

I love to use this toy with a bullet vibrator, but Ella is satisfying on her own. This toy invites you to relax and spend some time exploring your body and how it responds to pleasure. I have yet to experience female ejaculation, which I hope the Ella will help with. It has helped me to have intense, strong orgasms without clitoral stimulation, which I needed until this toy came into my life! This is a great benefit during partner sex. I'm still coming up with new positions to try this toy in, and varying sensations is easy because of the ergonomic curves and varying cross-sectional shapes.